HBO Stars to Carry Olympic Torch

Hudson Williams and Connor Story, known for their roles in the HBO series “Rivalry,” have been chosen as torchbearers for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

At 24 and 25 years old, respectively, Williams and Story gained significant attention after their show became a hit on the streaming platform, as noted by reports from the New York Times.

The series showcases a dramatic narrative involving two rival hockey players entangled in a long-term secret relationship that their teammates are unaware of. This story is adapted from Rachel Reid’s series “Game Changers.”

In December 2025, it was confirmed that the Canadian series would be renewed for a second season.

The Winter Games are set to take place in Italy from February 6 to February 22, 2026, featuring sports like skiing, snowboarding, figure skating, and notably, hockey.

A torch-lighting ceremony is scheduled for February 6, 2025, following a 12,000 km relay across Italy that kicked off on December 5, 2025.

HBO Max Nordic was the first to report this news. Their announcement had a catchy touch: “They brought the heat now as they carry the torch.”

The announcement, however, stirred up some social media backlash.

One user criticized the decision, saying, “Choosing a TV actor with a ‘heated rivalry’ over a real Olympic hero shows that the torch relay has lost its true purpose and is now just chasing social media trends for a streaming service.”

Another commented, “This is getting old.”

The 2024 Summer Olympics in France also faced criticism when a drag queen reenacted the Last Supper during the opening ceremony, which upset many religious leaders globally.

Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta expressed his discontent through social media, and the French ambassador labeled the performance as “disastrous” and “very disappointing,” according to reports.